You want to become a nurse but you’re not sure what type of nurse you should be? Then this episode is for you!
In it, I’ll be discussing the difference between three different nursing paths, ADN, BSN, and LPN, and helping you choose which one is the right one for you.
So, if you want to learn about the benefits of each one of these three paths, make sure to give this episode a listen.
Are you ready?
Let’s dive in.
What Is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?
The LPN program, which is one year long, is the fastest route to becoming a nurse. Those with the LPN degree have the opportunity to move up and obtain an RN (Registered Nurse) degree. This is often the most cost-effective option for nursing students, especially if you choose a hospital or company that provides tuition reimbursement.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that getting accepted into the RN program after obtaining your LPN license means maintaining the required GPA 3.0 (or higher in some programs’ cases).
One of the advantages of going down this route is that you can use your field experience to have a better understanding of your studies when you go for an RN degree. An LPN can also help you have a higher chance of getting hired. When I was studying for my BSN, I had classmates who were already LPN. They were able to excel in class because of their previous patient care experience.
Finally, you need to know that the LPN reports to the RN for any changes in a patient’s condition. They cannot delegate, evaluate, or provide initial teaching or even assess the patient.
The biggest disadvantage of being an LPN compared to an RN is the salary. It is lower and there are fewer opportunities, unless you move forward and become a Registered Nurse.
What Is a Registered Nurse (RN)?
It can take two to four years to become a Registered Nurse and the average program students opt to take is the four-year program.
Registered Nurses are required to have more responsibility, such as critical thinking. An RN will be expected to delegate to the team, provide care plans with the interdisciplinary team, work on assessments, evaluations, and patient teaching.
If you decide to become a Registered Nurse, you need to choose between getting an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Both programs offer the same curriculum, which includes maternity and newborn, pediatrics, fundamentals of nursing, psychiatric, and community health.
The primary differences between the two programs are how long they take to complete and the salary.
Why Choose the ADN Program?
The ADN program is shorter (the average time of completion of the ADN program is two years) and more cost-effective than the BSN.
When you get hired after your ADN, you can still continue your education and find a hospital or a company that provides tuition reimbursement. This means you can complete a BSN program without hurting your pocket.
The biggest disadvantage of getting your ADN is that employers are more likely to hire someone with a BSN.
There will also be certain nursing fields for which you will not be able to apply, such as Nursing Informatics. Nursing Informatics is a specialty field that requires a Master’s in Nursing Informatics and you can only apply for that program if you have a BSN.
Why Choose the BSN Program?
The average length of time to complete the BSN program is four years, which is a disadvantage compared to the LPN, which requires only one year to complete. The BSN degree can also be costly in comparison. Depending on the college or university you choose, it can cost between $25,000 to $120,000, or even more.
However, a huge benefit to selecting this path is the salary. This will vary depending on the state and the location that you will be working in. For example, the average nurse in New Jersey can make $80,000 a year and work their way up to six figures. This number may be even higher if the nurse is in a specialized field, such as the ICU.
Another advantage is the opportunity to climb up the ladder. You also have the possibility to apply for more jobs. For example, someone with a BSN can become a Nurse Manager or Coordinator. However, an LPN will not be able to apply for those positions.
With a BSN, you can also get certification or get an advanced degree such as a Nurse Practitioner. For me, I decided to go forward and obtain my Master’s in Nursing Informatics. This would not have been possible if I had an LPN or any other degree.
I discuss all of this in more depth in the episode above, so make sure to give it a listen when you can!
